Awards and Honors: Clarksville Jaycees Boss of the Year; Department of Army, Commanders Award for Public Service; and United States Department of Defense Certificate of Appreciation.

Current Service in Public Office: House of Representatives Speaker Pro Tempore 2013-14; member, Tennessee General Assembly, 2005 to present; member of the House Finance, Ways, & Means Committee, House Government Operations Committee, House Insurance and Banking Committee and Subcommittee, and House Calendar & Rules Committee.

Past Service in Public Office: Clarksville City Council, 1994-2002; Mayor Pro Temp 1996-1997.

Family: Wife, Marsha; three sons; three grandchildren.

Why did you decide to run for public office?

The State Legislature has such a major role in the lives of every citizen – from educating our children, to jobs for working adults, to creating a positive business climate in our community, and helping those citizens who may need a little assistance. I am especially interested in seeing that Clarksville gets their fair share for programs to help our citizens. I think I am in a position to help influence policy and make Tennessee a better place to live and work.

What is your top goal if you are elected?

I want to help Clarksville become a great place to live and work. By passing laws to help businesses thrive, more jobs are created. By passing budgets to fund our K-12 schools and universities, such as Austin Peay, we provide educational opportunities for our young people. By passing incentives, businesses will come from other states to our business-friendly state. With Fort Campbell being located in Montgomery County, it is important to provide incentives and services for our military servicemen and women and our veterans.

I want to continue to help citizens navigate through the State Government maze when they have problems with a Tennessee department or agency. During my service in the General Assembly and since my election as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House, great strives have been made to become more efficient and effective with our tax dollars. I want to continue working for Montgomery County in the State Legislature.

CANDIDATE ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Part of a series of candidate profiles provided for The Leaf-Chronicle.